3 Fun Epoxy Resin Crafting Ideas Volume 1

Contents

Epoxy resin is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of crafting and decorative projects. In this blog post, we will explore some fun epoxy resin crafting ideas that you can try at home.

The following is a small list of possible creations. From miniature nativity scenes to paperweights, there are endless possibilities when it comes to epoxy resin crafts. So get creative and have some fun!

Earrings

The first of our epoxy resin crafting ideas is earrings. Resin is a great material for making earrings. It is durable and can be molded into a variety of shapes and designs.

You’ll need your resin, hardener, stirring spoon or spatula for mixing, measuring cups, and your mold of choice. You’ll also want to include your safety gear like gloves and a drop cloth for containing your mess.

You may also want to bring an apron and a respirator, the latter of which is especially important if you’re working with polyurethane or polyester resin instead of epoxy. Even with epoxy, you still want to make sure your working area has proper ventilation.

To make the earrings, you want to begin by mixing your resin and whatever colorants you’ll be using. Then, pour your first layer of resin. You will want to use a couple of layers for depth if you plan on adding resin fillers like cabochons, for example.

Next, add whatever fillers you chose and waiting for the preliminary dry time. This will be when the resin is too dry to work with but remains a bit tacky to the touch. This will take about 3-5 hours, or even as little as two if your work area is on the warmer side.

Once the resin is setup enough, it’s time for another layer. For most earring or jewelry molds, this second layer will probably be enough to complete your pour. Your craft will be dry to the touch within 24 hours and will then reach its first cure time in about seven days.

Check out this video for a tutorial covering epoxy resin earrings.

Necklaces

Next on our list of epoxy resin crafting ideas are necklaces, which can be made in a huge variety of styles. You can mix and match different colors and shapes to create a unique look.

You’l want to start by donning your gloves and most likely a pair of protective glasses as well. Proceed to mixing your resin and hardener in your mixing cups, being sure to go slow and take a full three minutes or so.

This will help reduce the number of bubbles that get trapped inside your resin. If using UV resin, you can skip adding hardener and move directly onto the next step, which is adding in your glitter, mica, colorant, or other pre-pour additives that you’d like to use.

From there, simply use your spatula, mixing stick, or spoon to scrape the mixed resin into your mold. Make sure it fills up the mold uniformly across all sides. You can always clean up the edges of the mold in case you overflow a little bit.

Using a heat gun, or even a grill lighter if need be, direct the heat onto the mold so that it warms the resin and helps the existing air bubbles escape. Don’t hold the gun (or lighter) too close as you don’t want the mold to become damaged or the resin to burn.

Another tip for removing bubbles is to preheat the resin before casting. One way to do this is to microwave some water to achieve a temperature that’s hot but not boiling. Then, with your resin still in its mixing cup, set it inside the container with the heated water.

Don’t microwave your resin directly in the mixing cup or you run the risk of burning it and destroying your cups. Setting it inside another containing holding the water is a great way to add a buffer and avoid this.

After your resin is cast, cured, and demolded, you are ready to complete it. Using a hand drill to make the hole, feed a jump ring through the resin and use this jump ring to attach the cord that goes around the wearer’s neck. A power drill would theoretically work in this situation, though you’ll need to use a relatively small bit.

Check out this video of a crafter making a resin necklace.

Bracelets

Bracelets are the last of this volume’s epoxy resin crafting ideas. Resin bracelets are both stylish and durable. You can use a variety of colors and designs to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Remember, you can always do some really cool stuff by layering your resin.

Start by choosing your favorite resin mold and get to mixing your epoxy. Most epoxy resins mix with a 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener, but it is important to read your product’s instructions as those vary by manufacturer. If you’re using UV resin, you can skip this last part.

Now, add some colorants. Depending on the type of design you’ll be going with, you may wish to skip this part until you have actually cast the resin into the mold.

For example, to achieve a swirl pattern, you will want to do your pour first. Then, you add your colorants by the drop, usually in a circular pattern around the mold. From there, you simply use your stirring spoon or mixing stick slowly in a circular pattern to create the swirl.

Just as with the previous epoxy resin crafting ideas you will want to pour in layers if you plan on adding any sort of depth to your design. You want to pour a base layer as thick as you want your fillers to appear deep.

What I mean by this is, the shallower your first pour, the closer to the surface of the resin it will make your filler objects appear to be. If you want to add extreme depth, you will need to make your first pour thicker before adding anything.

However, you are limited by the total depth of your mold in terms of how deep your pour can be overall. Try to make it so there is the same amount of space before and after your fillers in order to achieve a balanced 3D look.

For a better explanation of layering and depth, give this video a watch.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed exploring these epoxy resin crafting ideas. Remember, especially when it comes to visual arts, online videos are an invaluable way to gain a better understanding of techniques.

Get creative and have fun! Remember, there are endless possibilities when it comes to epoxy resin crafts. So let your imagination run wild!

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